Chapter 1654 Divine Dragon Council(2) "I don't really have a reason to join the Divine Dragon Sanctuary." Yingzi shook her head. Most people join the Divine Dragon Sanctuary for one of two reasons. Some sought access to the powerful training grounds available within the territory, hoping to grow stronger. Others join to use the Divine Dragon Sanctuary's prestigious name as a shield, gaining protection and influence under its banner. "I do not care about their training grounds, and I don't need their protection, so I don't really benefit from joining them. However, if you were to remain in the Primal Expanse forever, I wouldn't mind joining them with you." Yuan smiled at her words and said, "Unfortunately, I must return to my home soon." "I know. That's why I won't join them. Also, I am what most consider free-spirited. I don't wish to be constrained by their rules. It won't matter to you who will be leaving soon, but it's a big deal for those living in the Primal Expanse." "I see…" After a moment of silence, Yuan spoke again, "This just crossed my mind, but do Shadow Dwellers also have their own territory?" She nodded, "We do. It's a small and remote territory somewhere in the Hollowed Expanse, where sunlight doesn't exist." Yuan's eyes widened at this information, and he said, "I know of the Hollowed Expanse! But I never got the chance to see it for myself for the same reasons I didn't visit the Divine Dragon Sanctuary." The Primal Expanse was composed of many smaller regions, each with its own distinct environment, power structures, and unique inhabitants. These regions varied greatly, from fiery domains to shadowy realms, One such region was the Hollowed Expanse, a world shrouded in eternal darkness, where no sunlight ever touched the land. The creatures and powers that thrived there were adapted to the shadows, such as the Shadow Dwellers. Since Shadow Dwellers are born from shadows, most of them originated from the Hollowed Expanse. In this realm of eternal darkness, the lack of sunlight and the pervasive gloom created the perfect conditions for these beings to come into existence. "What kind of place is the Hallowed Expanse?" Yuan asked a moment later. Yingzi recalled her memories of the Hollowed Expanse and said, "It's a gloomy place, with hardly any living trees and plants. The land is mostly sand and dirt, and not many Primals venture there. If we want food, we have to leave the region." Based on Yingzi's description, Yuan imagined the Hollowed Expanse as a vast desert, barren and desolate, where it was always nighttime. "That's why I left the Hallowed Expanse in the first place, even if it means weakening myself," Yingzi continued. Since shadow and darkness were the sources of Shadow Dwellers' power, they preferred to stay in the darkest places, where their abilities were at their peak. For Yingzi, leaving the Hollowed Expanse, the darkest place in the Primal Expanse, significantly weakened her. The line moved quickly as they chatted, and before Yuan realized it, they had reached the front, now standing directly in front of the towering pagoda. Whenever someone exited the pagoda, it was immediately clear whether they had succeeded or not. Those who had a badge pinned to their chest wore expressions of pride or relief, while those without a badge left empty-handed, often looking disappointed or frustrated. Eventually, it was Yuan's turn. Noticing the woman standing by the entrance beckoning toward him, Yuan stepped forward and approached the pagoda. "You can wait for me out here," Yuan said to Yingzi as he left. Sometime later, Yuan entered the first floor of the pagoda. The interior was modestly decorated, with minimal furnishings. At the far end of the room, a young man sat behind a desk, his posture relaxed. When the young man noticed Yuan's scent, he raised an eyebrow and asked in a surprised tone, "What dragon bloodline do you have?" 'My dragon bloodline…?' Yuan swallowed nervously. Fortunately, he'd prepared for this question. "I'm an Azure Dragon." When Yuan considered his identity as a dragon, his first thought was to claim he hailed from the Xi Family's heritage. However, he quickly realized that he had never actually learned the name of their bloodline. In the end, he used the Azure Dragon's name. "An Azure Dragon? That can't be right," the young man replied, his brow furrowing in doubt. "I can tell by your scent alone that you come from a much more prestigious bloodline. Are you trying to hide your identity? Why? If you want to become affiliated with our Divine Dragon Sanctuary, you must tell us the truth. We don't accept those with ulterior motives." 'I didn't think he would see through me so easily…' Yuan sighed inwardly. He responded a moment later, "Actually, I don't know my race. I was abandoned when I was young, and the ones who accepted and raised me were Azure Dragons." The young man narrowed his gaze at Yuan. "Where are you from?" "I'm from a remote and insignificant territory located on the other side of the Primal Expanse," Yuan revealed, his tone calm and sincere. "What is your reason for wanting to join our Divine Dragon Sanctuary?" "My parents have always spoken highly of the Divine Dragon Sanctuary even though they've never been here," Yuan swiftly responded. "They also recommended that I come here once they are no longer in this world." 'What a load of bullshit…' the young man sneered inwardly at Yuan's excuses. However, even though he knew that Yuan wasn't being truthful, he couldn't ignore Yuan's powerful bloodline. 'I don't know what he's planning, but we can figure out his true identity through the assessment.' Sometime later, the young man smiled at Yuan and said, "Alright, you pass. Moreover, I believe you have the potential to become someone greater than a Divine Dragon Warrior, so I'm going to give you a chance." "Head to the second floor and take the assessment there. If you pass, you'll become a Divine Dragon Commander instead of a mere Divine Dragon Warrior. Be proud. You're only the fourth to be sent to the second floor in the last thousand years." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦 Join Privilege for VIP Chaps!